The dazzling colors of spring weren’t just blooming in gardens across Prince George this weekend—they were on full display at the city’s annual Vaisakhi celebration, where hundreds gathered to mark one of Sikhism’s most significant holidays.
Under unusually cooperative May skies, families from across northern B.C. converged at the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple on Saturday, creating what longtime attendee Harpreet Gill called “a beautiful tapestry of cultures coming together to celebrate renewal and community.”
What began as a modest cultural observance fifteen years ago has blossomed into one of Prince George’s most anticipated multicultural events. The celebration commemorates the founding of the Khalsa (the Sikh community) in 1699 and traditionally coincides with the spring harvest in Punjab, India.
“This isn’t just a Sikh celebration anymore,” explained Manpreet Singh, president of the Prince George Sikh Cultural Society. “It’s become a Prince George tradition where everyone is welcome to experience our customs, share a meal, and learn about Sikh values of equality and service.”
Indeed, the guest list reflected that inclusive spirit. Mayor Simon Wilson attended alongside three city councillors, provincial representatives, and leaders from various faith communities. Perhaps most telling was the significant number of non-Sikh Prince George residents who arrived throughout the afternoon, many attending for their first time.
The temple grounds transformed into a festival of the senses. Volunteers had spent days preparing an elaborate langar (community meal) that included traditional dishes like chhole bhature, saag, and endless trays of freshly made roti. The fragrance of cardamom-infused chai filled the air as community members served refreshments to all attendees, regardless of background.
“I was amazed at how welcoming everyone was,” said Jennifer McPherson, who brought her two children after learning about the celebration from a coworker. “My kids were fascinated by the turban-tying demonstration, and I don’t think they’ll ever forget how delicious the food was. There’s something powerful about breaking bread with neighbors you might not otherwise meet.”
The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture, remained at the heart of the celebration with continuous readings throughout the day. Many visitors took advantage of guided tours explaining Sikh traditions and the significance of the temple space.
Cultural performances punctuated the afternoon, with children as young as five performing traditional Bhangra dance alongside seasoned adult performers. The Prince George Bhangra Academy’s high-energy routine drew enthusiastic applause, with several audience members eventually joining in to learn basic steps.
For the local Sikh community, estimated at about 2,800 people according to recent census data, the celebration offered a moment to showcase traditions while strengthening connections within broader northern B.C. society.
“When my parents came to Prince George in the 1980s, they couldn’t have imagined a day when the mayor would be enjoying langar alongside hundreds of residents,” reflected Jaspreet Kaur, a second-generation Canadian who helped organize children’s activities. “It shows how far we’ve come as a community.”
The event wasn’t without its deeper significance amid ongoing global tensions. Community elder Balbir Singh Sidhu used his welcome address to emphasize Sikhism’s core values of equality, compassion, and service to others—principles he noted are “needed more than ever in today’s divided world.”
This year’s celebration also included a special area dedicated to educational displays about Sikh contributions to Canadian history, including their role in building the national railway and serving in both World Wars. Many visitors expressed surprise at learning this aspect of Canadian heritage.
City Councillor Maria Fernandez, attending her third Vaisakhi celebration, observed how the event has evolved. “What impresses me most is how this celebration bridges generations. You see elders in traditional dress alongside teenagers who are fully Canadian but still deeply connected to their heritage. It’s a beautiful example of integration without assimilation.”
The Prince George Sikh Cultural Society worked with local businesses to expand this year’s celebration, with five restaurants offering Punjabi-inspired menu items throughout the weekend. Downtown shop Boreal Spice Market reported their specially created “Vaisakhi Spice Blend” sold out by Saturday afternoon.
As the celebration concluded with a nagara (traditional drum) performance, organizers were already looking ahead to next year. “We’re hoping to expand with a parade through downtown in 2026,” Singh revealed. “The community support has been overwhelming, and we want to keep building on that goodwill.”
For many attendees, the celebration offered a welcome reminder of Prince George’s evolving identity. As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the temple grounds, conversations in English, Punjabi and several other languages blended together—a fitting soundtrack for a day dedicated to community harmony.
“In times when the world seems focused on what divides us,” reflected Mayor Wilson before departing, “events like this remind us of what we gain when we take time to learn about and celebrate our neighbors’ traditions.”
